PRAME peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 (PRAME-HLA-A*02:01 complex (alternatively: PRAME/HLA-A2 complex))

The PRAME peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 is a tumor-specific antigen complex formed when a peptide from the intracellular protein PRAME is processed and displayed on the surface of cancer cells by the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type A*02:01, a common MHC class I molecule. This complex is a highly attractive target for cancer immunotherapy, notably in solid tumors and leukemias, due to the high prevalence of PRAME expression in tumors but minimal expression in normal tissues. Engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-mimic antibodies recognizing this complex can mediate robust, HLA-restricted cytotoxic immune responses, resulting in selective tumor cell killing while sparing most healthy tissues. The most extensively studied PRAME peptide in this context is the nonamer SLLQHLIGL, also known as PRAME-004. This immunotherapy approach is under active clinical investigation and forms the basis of several TCR-T cell therapy candidates.

Other names

PRAME-HLA-A*02:01 complexPRAME-004 peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complexPRAME (SLLQHLIGL) peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01PRAME-derived HLA-A*02:01-restricted peptide

Recognition and binding of the PRAME peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex by engineered TCRs or TCR-mimic antibodies triggers targeted cytotoxic T-cell killing of PRAME-expressing tumor cells